George Lewis Tinney

George Lewis Tinney, age 92, of Burnet, passed away on January 9, 2023, following a recent illness with family at his side.

George was born in Navasota, Texas, on June 8, 1930. He was married to his wife, Betty Jean Gates Tinney. George worked for Polar Ice Cream, Buttercrust Bakery, and Frito Lay.  He was lovingly known as the “Breadman” and the “Frito Layman.”  He thrived on socializing and making others smile so it was no surprise that when he retired, he continued to work for several years at Sonny’s Grocery Store and the store at Inks Lake.   

George leaves behind his bride of 72 years, Betty Jean Gates Tinney; three children, Cathy Westerfield, Edwin Tinney and wife Nelda Tinney, and Melinda Johnson; granddaughters Wendy Westerfield, Jennifer Schuetz and husband James Schuetz, and Tamara Tinney; as well as eight great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, George Washington Tinney and Nellie Ardena Wilson; grandson Robert Register; and brother, Jake Tinney.

George was best known for his quick-witted humor, kindness, fierce determination, and generosity.  He always had a joke or story to tell and a contagious smile.  He loved fishing and gardening, from which he supplied his family with fresh vegetables, including bell peppers that his grandsons loved.  His family adored his life stories and the lessons and determination they were able to learn from all those stories.  He was an avid reader; you could always find books near his favorite chair.  He was the best husband, Dad, and Papa anyone could ask for.  He will be greatly missed.

A private memorial service will be held for his immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, his family ask that donations be made in George’s memory to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at lls.org.

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